Chicken owner petitions city to amend ordinance

In the middle of historic homes in one of Spartanburg's most prized neighborhoods, stands a chicken coop.

Dr. Brian Rothemich's Coop D'ville is empty with a sign that reads, “Gone for the summer. See you in September.” It's the retired doctor's hope that when he and his wife return to Spartanburg from their North Carolina lake house that his five hens will accompany them.

At Rothemich's request, Spartanburg City Council will consider amending its animal ordinance to allow hens. Council passed an ordinance in 2009 prohibiting chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants and other domesticated fowl.

Rothemich's son gave his father five chickens, which he and his wife refer to as “the girls,” last year for Father's Day. Rothemich said he was aware then that the city prohibited the chickens, but he tried to sneak them in any way for the fresh eggs they produce.

He didn't try to hide the hens and gave away most of the eggs to neighbors in Converse Heights that he said were supportive.

One of those neighbors, Mayor Junie White, said he supports Rothemich's request as long as the city regulates the number of chickens and prohibits bringing roosters into the city limits.

“I've done the research, and most cities allow chickens,” White said. “Brian takes care of his and has done a good job keeping them. I agree that we need restrictions, but allowing them is worth a shot.”

Animal control officers ticketed Rothemich last winter after an anonymous caller tipped them off. His trial date is set for Sept. 14, and he says he will protest the $234 fine.